3 good reasons to study Procurement, Logistics and Supply Chain Management at Salford

1.

Study a programme accredited by the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS)

2.

Enhance your employability and prepare for a managerial, consulting or operational role

3.

Put logistics theory into real practice with an exciting Business Innovation Project

Course Summary

This course is informed by the very latest academic research and provides you with an in-depth understanding of procurement, warehousing, stores management, transportation and shipping, inventory planning and contract management.

You will review these topics in a supply chain context and benefit from a programme fully accredited by the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS). Full membership of CIPS is available to successful graduates of this programme who fulfill the institute's conditions on post-graduate experience, achieve success in all modules, and the dissertation in the field.

There is a blended/ Distance learning opportunity available via our official partner Robert Kennedy College, in Zurich, Switzerland.

Accredited by

Course Details

The programme is block delivered and there are six entry points per year. Students will take the modules below in a sequence dependent on their start date.

Course Structure

SEMESTER 1

You will develop an in-depth understanding of the increasingly important field of operations and information management. You will also gain an overview of how to improve different types of operations and information systems contributing to a company’s competitiveness and strategy. You will develop your knowledge of concepts, techniques and models that are used for planning, managing and improving operations and MIS in manufacturing and service organisations.

You will gain a thorough grounding in the major issues and perspectives of management, with a particular focus on strategic, global and organisational issues in an international context. You will also get an overview of key issues and decisions relating to the social responsibilities of corporate management. You will be encouraged to think critically about theory and practice in an ethical and professional manner.

SEMESTER 2

You will develop an overview of project risk to maximise positive outcomes and minimise the potential of adverse events impacting project objectives. You will also gain the necessary skills to effectively manage procurement processes across a wide variety of environments.

You will learn about the critical nature and meaning of global supply chain management and its application in various organisations and sectors internationally. You will also gain an overview of the design, monitoring and control of global procurement, logistics and supply chain systems, while developing skills to facilitate a critical evaluation of the contribution of global logistics and supply chains to deliver competitive advantage.

SEMESTER 3

Business Innovation Project (BIP)

Flexible final study options

Salford Business School has one of the most flexible suites of post-graduate taught programmes in the UK.

For the final third of your studies you can choose from 4 differing pathways, all of which are designed to accommodate your career aspirations and enhance your professional practice:

This traditional route involves a substantive piece of research, which can examine contemporary or historical challenges in business, economic or management contexts.

The dissertation can be undertaken within a company, a sponsoring organisation, or investigate an area which is of interest to you. Study is undertaken in the UK, or sometimes overseas – some international students may possibly return to their country to work on an industrial research project.

3 month research project culminating in a 12-15,000 word dissertation

Topics can be undertaken in a number of areas:

personal interest in a topic area which supports your career aspirations.

an academic’s research area which explores challenging developments in the supervisor’s area of expertise.

in partnership with a company or sponsoring company.

an entrepreneurial opportunity, particularly suitable if you wish to research your own business opportunity.

This is a group project (teams of 2 to 5 students) examining an organisational problem or opportunity. Students work on sizeable commercial projects, which are broken down by the team. Live projects reflect commercial realities of delivering complex commercial projects through the combined efforts of a committed team.

3 month commercial research project.

Group presentation and executive report, coupled with an individual 8-10,000 word report.

This involves working on a company project. The majority of internships are voluntary positions, which support work experience with a company in a particular sector. A number of projects exist for suitable students, in many cases students are supported in finding and securing internships with the support of the School’s Employability Hub.

1 to 3 month commercial project, undertaken full or part-time with the host company.

Internships are often voluntary positions providing interesting project experience, some positions are paid – potentially up to 86 UNITE Projects are available in 2013-14.

Placements are paid positions working on implementing a commercial project. Placements provide valuable experience for student to demonstrate their commercial capabilities. Placements are limited and are competitive.

4 to 6 month work based project undertaken at the organisations premises.

Assessment consist portfolio of work, visitor assessment, presentation and interim report, culminating in a work related dissertation of 10,000 words.

Placements can be undertaken in the UK or overseas.

Students can undertake placements with their sponsor or employing organisation.

For international students placements are 6 months maximum due to visa restrictions.

For home/EU students, placements can possibly be extended to 12 months.

The salary range for placements is from £14,320 to £25,000 pro rata – the average is £19,555 pro rata.

Part-time study

If you are on the part-time course, you will be able to register for individual modules as part of CPD. The following example shows how the course could be taken on a part-time basis over two years:

Year 1 - Semester 1Operations and Information Management - 30 credits

Semester 2Project Risk and Procurement - 30 credits

Semester 3Strategic International Business Management - 30 credits

Semester 1Global Supply Chain Management - 30 credits

Year 2 - Semesters 2 & 3Business Innovation Project

Entry Requirements

Normally a minimum 2:2 honours degree or equivalent or successful completion of the Graduate Certificate International Management.

A wide range of professional qualifications are also accepted either in partial or complete fulfilment of entry requirements.

Where a student has gained a recognised Honours degree but does not meet the normal entry qualification requirement, they may still be considered for entry if they can demonstrate relevant work experience of a minimum two years duration post study and acceptable level of responsibility.

Accreditation for Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)

We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.

The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.

Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).

English Language Requirements

International students will be required to show a proficiency in English. An IELTS 6.5 (no individual element below 5.5) is proof of this.

If the English language qualification is slightly below this level candidates may be able to take one of the many English courses available in the University. Please search for English on Course Finder.

International Students - Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

International Students are required by the Home Office and/or the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) to apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate before they begin studying their course. You may need to obtain an ATAS Certificate before you come to the UK in order for you to comply with Home Office regulations. Please refer to your offer conditions.

Suitable For

This course is ideal for graduates who want to establish a career in procurement, logistics and supply chain management, or for existing managers who wish to develop their skills and enhance their future career prospects.

Applicant profile

Procurement and logistics is one of the fastest growing industries in the world and this course is ideal if you are looking to build a career in this dynamic sector. Your background may be in shipping, logistics or general business.

Teaching

The course is delivered in four blocks of three day intensive study periods, followed by independent study and online support through the University's virtual learning environment, Blackboard. Each module is taken and assessed over a six week block.

Teaching is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars and tutorials, using a wide range of learning activities.

Assessment

Over the duration of your course a range of assessment techniques will be used. Types of assessment include; essays, assignments, exams, multiple choice tests, online tests, group reports, and portfolio work.

Postgraduate Staff Profile

Dr Yiannis Polychronakis

Yiannis is a senior lecturer in operations, logistics and project management and holds a BSc in Manufacturing Systems, an MSc in Quality Management and a PhD. He has assisted a number of organisations such as Silent Night, Cleveland Guest, Trafford Council and Manchester City Council in developing and implementing best practices in the areas of process management, supply chain development and project management.

Employability

Our graduates are highly sought after in many countries for their knowledge and passion for the procurement and supply business.

Alumni Profile

Peter Hahn, Siemens

"I have been successful in obtaining a position as a trainee procurement manager for Siemens and feel that this course gave me a very thorough grounding. I felt very well prepared in procurement and supply chain topics which were an important part of the discussions, interviews and presentations. I want to thank you because I feel that you prepared me very well."

Links with Industry

Our course team maintains excellent relations with local, national and international organisations, commentators and employers.

Our teaching is industry-led, inspired by contemporary practice and developed in partnership with business leaders. Our academics are experts in their field and work closely with industry to ensure that our courses reflect the needs of business and provide our students with that extra edge when it comes to securing a job.

Our part-time students are drawn from a wide range of public, private and third sector organisations, allowing you to enjoy highly valuable networking opportunities.

Salford Business School also operates a guest lecture course which allows you the chance to mix with professionals from industry, make connections, set up placements and conduct research.

Further Study

Research in Salford Business School is coordinated by the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research & Innovation).

For those who wish to go further academically, a range of research PhD opportunities in all areas of operations management and supply chain management are available, offering the opportunity to concentrate on any specialism requiring an in-depth understanding of supply chain management.

The Postgraduate Bursaries and Scholarships for 2017-18 entry are currently under review and subject to change. A revised schedule of scholarships and bursaries will be published in February 2017.

Facilities

Salford Business School is located at the heart of the University’s Peel campus in the newly refurbished Lady Hale Building, and the Chapman Building, offering state-of-the-art facilities for the Business School’s student learning community and just minutes from Manchester city centre. Chapman is a stylish modern space with six lecture theatres equipped with the very latest technology and large screen displays, a series of communal learning and breakout spaces, plus a Fairtrade café with panoramic views across the campus. Lady Hale is the home to all dedicated business school student support including the school office, an employability hub, a base for the Business School society, and several open study spaces. MediaCityUK is a vibrant place in which to live, work, socialise and study. Home to major BBC and ITV departments, the University of Salford and over 80 businesses across the creative and digital sectors, MediaCityUK is recognised as one of the most innovative developments in Britain.